30 mph speed limit for bikes?

The Highway Code isn't law itself, it's just summarising the laws and giving some extrea advice. It gives links to the relevant laws which, for speeding (the RTRA), it'll say "motor vehicles". If the Law says "motor vehicles" then it doesn't apply to non-motor vehicles. Google for the text of the law and look it up for yourself.

Turns out you're absolutely correct (http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&title=road+traffic+regulation&searchDay=12&searchMonth=10&searchYear=2008&searchEnacted=0&extent=E%2bW%2bS%2bN.I.&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=2223862&ActiveTextDocId=2223981&filesize=76892). You're the first person I've come across who's pointed that out; most people don't even seem to be aware that the highway code is relevant to bikes, let alone the law. thx.

MUST and MUST NOT usually mean there's a law. SHOULD or SHOULD NOT just means it's advisory but they may still try and get you.

All true, but section 124 does use the words MUST NOT, so I had taken it to be backed as is by the relevant law. Although to be honest, the wording in the HC is a bit vague.

All this makes me now feel completely guilt-free about breaking 30 on a regular basis, even if only for very brief periods.

r